UK Tourists Advised to Be Aware of Incoming Alert Next Week
Holidaymakers planning a trip to the Canary Islands are being advised to be aware of a potential emergency alert that they may receive on their mobile phones next week. The government in Gran Canaria has announced that they will be conducting a test of their emergency warning system on Thursday, September 26 between 10am and 12pm local time. While the test will be carried out in Gran Canaria, authorities have mentioned that people in Tenerife and Fuerteventura could also receive the alert due to the range of mobile phone antennas in the area, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
ES-Alert System Test
The emergency warning system being tested is called ES-Alert, and it has previously been tested in other Canary Islands such as Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma, Lanzarote, and La Gomera. According to the Canary Islands Government, most mobile phones with a data connection will have the ability to receive the civil protection alert. Devices operating on Android version 11 or higher, or iOS version 15.6 or higher will have the option activated by default.
How the Alarm Works
The Canary Islands Government has explained how the alarm will work during the test. All 4G and 5G mobile terminals within the coverage area will receive a text message with the word “TEST” accompanied by a beep and vibration. Once the message is read, users can press “Accept” to make it disappear. There is no need to respond or call 112. The alert may also be received in English if the mobile phone is configured in a language other than Spanish. It is important to note that phones that are switched off or in airplane mode will not receive the alert.
Feedback and Survey
The message sent during the test will include a link to a survey that people can complete to provide feedback on the alert system. This feedback will be valuable for improving the effectiveness of the emergency warning system in the future.
No Cause for Concern
The government has assured the public that the alarm test should not cause any concern. It is important for people driving at the time of the test to not become alarmed and to safely pull over to read the emergency message and press accept. For elderly relatives, it is advisable to explain to them what the alert system consists of to avoid alarming them unnecessarily.
ES-Alert System Usage
The ES-Alert system is used in the event of disasters or emergencies such as fires, floods, volcanic eruptions, or adverse weather events. It provides citizens in the affected area with instructions for their protection. The system was utilized during forest fires in La Palma and Tenerife last year.
Organizers of the Test
The emergency alert test is being organized by the Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, and the Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES) 112. The test is being conducted in collaboration with the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the 21 municipalities of the island, and the General Directorate of Civil Protection and State Emergencies.
Stay Informed
For all the latest news and updates, visit the Belfast Live homepage and sign up for their daily newsletter. Stay informed and prepared for any emergency alerts or updates while traveling in the Canary Islands.